To be a successful and effective laboratory manager, one needs to bring the proper skillset to the table.
Most laboratory managers started out on the bench. They were hired for their scientific and technical skills. As they excelled in the laboratory, they were promoted to manager even though they did not have any managerial experience or training. This was my story.
Laboratory management is not part of undergraduate or graduate science degrees so the newly promoted scientist turned manager usually has to figure it out on their own.
Over the years I have learned a lot and now I want to share what I have learned with other lab managers who find that they are not properly equipped to manage people.
Who is Larry?
I have been a chemist for almost 30 years and in laboratory management for about 20 years. I did not have any formal management training when I first started. Over time though, I have learned so much about myself and what it takes to be an effective laboratory manager.
Being a lab manager is a very challenging but fulfilling career. In today’s laboratories, there is a great needs for leaders. Lab Managers manage resources but Lab Leaders manage people.
Why this website?
Currently I am working in several areas to share my knowledge and experience on lab management and leadership.
This site is meant to be a clearinghouse of what I am doing, share what is on my mind, and a way for folks to contact me.
Scientists can make excellent managers due to their scientific training, but need some guidance on the human skills needed to excel as leaders in the lab.
My Current Interests
- Improve management and leadership education within scientific and technical organizations.
- Create leadership coursework for those in undergraduate science programs.
- Investigate use of business tools and theories within the scientific community for better management.
- Examine the ways scientific training/discipline can be used in business strategy.
- Examine the importance of ethics in science/forensics.
I am on a mission to find the best ways to share my knowledge. Right now I am teaching, writing, and speaking on management and leadership in science. Some other ideas I have are creating online classes/webinar, blogging, and even writing a book. As things develop, I will update this site. If you share my interests or want to know more, please contact me.
Thanks, Larry.